Ok, so I decided today to talk about making the films. I used that title because it's funny to me (I don't care about the flaws, I still love Moulin Rouge).
So I know I can be a lot unprofessional sometimes and I can get distracted easily. I'm working on that and that's why I get the people to be AD that I do, because I know they will keep shooting and myself on track. Which is good to have the reminder that we can have fun but get the job done efficiently. The thing is knowing your weaknesses and working on them, and having someone balance them out. Like any partnership. Surrounding yourself with a good crew is essential. Granted we have a skeleton crew, but I know they will do what is needed when asked. Perhaps I need to AD a few times and that will help.
I wasn't as prepared as I'd like to have been. Some of the things you don't realize you've not prepared enough are from lack of experience and others just got forgotten. Working on that as well. Sometimes I am very much a fly by the seat of you pants person and that doesn't work as a director.
Another thing that is needing a lot of work on my side is communication. With my crew and actors on what I want and how I want it done. I am relying far too much on others experience and letting them figure it out. I need to be the captain of the ship and guide them not let them guide me. I need to act on trusting my instincts and standing firm. That being said I do love the actors I have worked with. I have learned a lot from them. I have appreciated their patience and guiding when needed.
I need to hang out on more sets and watch directors work so I can actually hear what they are saying and how they do things. Behind the scenes footage doesn't always give you that. Director commentaries are good though. Tarsem's commentary on The Fall was really good. That journey was a fascinating story on its own.
I still only want to do this. I only want to make films and films that matter. I may have gotten a late start at it, but I now it's what I was born to do. Even as a kid being bossy when we were playing pretend "You do this and I'm going to do this." and as a kid watching films in wide eyed fascination I knew.
Have a great day everyone.
2 comments:
As someone who is qualified to comment here (because I have been directed by you while making movies Hilary) let me say that I find you incredibly professional and very focused yet you combine it with your own highly refreshing unique style that does not involve micro-managing and dictatorial sternness. As an Actor it is important/vital to have someone that allows you a certain amount of creative input and the ability to actually enjoy making movies while remaining professional. For me this is one of the key differences between making something good and making something great. Is your style unique - yes indeed, should it be - yes indeed. I am all for learning great things from successful people (accomplished Directors or Actors) and I do it myself however it is more important to believe in yourself and do your own unique incredible thing your own way regardless of what other people do or think or judge or believe and if this is the case you are doing great.
I believe you will be a truly, truly great Director of great movies and I believe you already are. I only hope I am privileged enough to be a part of it where possible. Keep doing things your way, never doubting yourself nor being afraid to follow your own instincts and path no matter how scary. I admire your passion for what you do and have incredible admiration for those that have actually been able to work out what they really want to do. You have not started doing what you do late but rather exactly when you are meant to. It has taken me until I was 42 to work out I want and need to be an Actor but this is obviously when it is meant to have happened. So be it.
Hilary I have always loved the example of music.
There is a person that cannot play an instrument yet stands in front of an entire orchestra of the most talented musicians ever and allows them to do what they do best while directing them to do it as a team and seeing the bigger picture. They then call this person Maestro.
Be the Maestro...
Oh gosh. I pretty much never cry, but that did it. Thank you, Craig for your words and encouragement. I am working on the believing in myself and I'm getting better. No room for doubt. I will definitely keep you in mind for the future films. Thank you for being a part of the getting started films. I truely believe this is just the beginning.
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